DÉDOUGOU — Father Théodore Ouédraogo, recently ordained and a member of the African missionaries 'White Fathers', led a thanksgiving mass in his home village of Souri on Sunday, August 4, 2024, where he also blessed a newly constructed Marian grotto.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the celebration took place in the presence of the Christian community from Saint Anne de Dédougou cathedral parish, alongside numerous priests, religious men and women. This event marked Father Ouédraogo's gratitude to God for his ordination on July 13, 2024, and his commitment to serve his community and beyond. The newly ordained priest is notable for being the first from Souri and the eighteenth from the cathedral parish of Dédougou.

The basic Christian community of Souri showed strong support for this significant occasion, which featured songs, dances, and speeches during a four-hour Eucharistic celebration. Father Théodore expressed his appreciation for those who supported his spiritual journey, acknowledging the positive impact of priests, sisters, catechists, and faithful Christians on his path to priesthood.

Father Théodore shared insights into his vocational journey, revealing periods of doubt and introspection about his future mission. He referenced his motto, "wherever I send you, there you go," from Jeremiah 1:7, emphasizing his discernment process and divine guidance in his decision to serve.

Speakers at the event thanked God for guiding Father Théodore's journey and expressed hopes for his future ministry in Tanzania, wishing him zeal and success in spreading the Good News of Christ. They also anticipated that his example might inspire numerous vocations in both Souri and the larger parish of Saint Anne de Dédougou.

Before concluding the lengthy celebration, Father Théodore blessed the new Marian grotto, expressing hopes that it would become a beneficial place of prayer for the people of Souri. The festivities continued into the evening, reflecting the community's joy and support for their new priest.